Dealing with Ear Pain and Inflammation
The individual in question is a 40-year-old male, measuring 5'7" and weighing 83 kilograms, residing in the UAE. He does not smoke and has no existing medical issues or ongoing medication, though he occasionally experiences migraines in hot weather. For nearly a month, my husband has been suffering from ear pain. Initially, he consulted a physician who prescribed him eardrops, but instead of relief, the pain intensified and his hearing deteriorated. Seeking further assistance, we visited an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist to remove some accumulated earwax; however, it was revealed that his ear was quite clean. Interestingly, during the visit, a small piece of tissue emerged. He has a tendency to dry his ears post-shower using rolled tissues instead of appropriate ear cleaning tools like earbuds or Q-tips. Post tissue removal, he developed an infection leading to significant swelling of the ear, accompanied by an elevation in temperature reaching 102°F. Following this, he was prescribed a course of antibiotics, Maxigesic, and hydrocortisone ear drops to be administered over the next five days. While his fever has subsided, the persistent pain and swelling in his ear remain significant sources of discomfort. What measures can be taken to alleviate these symptoms?
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 10:10:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Your husband is experiencing persistent ear pain and swelling after an infection, despite antibiotic treatment. It's crucial to manage his symptoms and promote healing effectively.
Explanation: Ear pain and swelling can be quite uncomfortable and may take some time to fully resolve after an infection. The fact that he has a fever and pain suggests there is still inflammation in the area. It's also important to note that avoiding inappropriate ear cleaning methods is key for preventing further irritation or injury.
Next Steps:
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Continue Treatment as Prescribed: Ensure he completes the full course of antibiotics and uses the hydrocortisone ear drops as directed. This will help combat the infection and reduce inflammation.
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Pain Management: Administer over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (check with a pharmacist if unsure about appropriate dosages) to help manage pain and discomfort.
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Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear for 20 minutes at a time can provide soothing relief from pain and may enhance blood flow to promote healing.
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Hydration: Encourage him to drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can support the body's healing processes.
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Careful Hygiene: Avoid using rolled tissues or cotton swabs, which can further irritate the ear. Instead, gently dry the outer ear with a towel after showers, and consider using a gentle ear-drying solution if water gets trapped in the ear after swimming or showering.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on his symptoms. If the pain worsens, or if new symptoms arise (e.g., discharge from the ear, significant changes in hearing, or recurrent fevers), seek medical advice promptly.
Continue to provide reassurance and emotional support as he navigates through this discomforting time. Let me know if you need more detailed guidance or further information!
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